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Detroit Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander is headed to the disabled list to start the season because of "concetrated pain" in his right triceps.

Manager Brad Ausmus said Thursday morning that Verlander could return to start April 12. Verlander began a throwing program Wednesday.

Ausmus said Verlander threw from 60 feet at about 60% Wednesday morning. There was still some lingering soreness for Verlander, who left Friday's spring game in the third inning after covering first base on a ground ball.

"He felt it a little bit," Ausmus said. "But definitely felt better."

Verlander was originally scheduled to start Thursday against the New York Yankees in Lakeland, Fla., in his spring training finale. With that start called off, the Tigers also ruled out a start in a minor-league game Friday.

The Tigers hope Verlander can pitch sometime this weekend.

With Verlander out, right-hander Anibal Sanchez will get the start next Wednesday. Sanchez will start the Tigers' home spring training finale Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Last season, Verlander finished 15-12 with a 4.54 ERA and 159 strikeouts. He is a six-time All-Star and won the MVP and Cy Young awards in 2011.

RED SOX DEMOTE OUTFIELDERS

The Boston Red Sox optioned outfielders Jackie Bradley Jr. and Rusney Castillo to triple-A Pawtucket Thursday before an exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins.

Bradley opened the 2014 season as Boston's starting centre fielder, but the Red Sox are set in the outfield this year with Hanley Ramirez in left, Mookie Betts in center, Shane Victorino in right and backups Allen Craig and Daniel Nava.

In 127 games as a rookie last year, Bradley batted just .198 with one home run and 30 RBIs.

Castillo, a top Cuban prospect, signed a $72.5 million contract with the Red Sox during the offseason and could be recalled from the minors relatively quickly.

REDS PUT BAILEY ON DL

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Homer Bailey will start the season on the disabled list while he continues his recovery from flexor tendon surgery in September.

Bailey worked five innings in a minor-league game Wedneday and gave up five earned runs and six hits, but he had no issues with the elbow and will next pitch in another minor -league game on April 6.

If all goes well in the next outing, Bailey would be ready for a rehab stint when the regular season begins. The Reds are hoping that he can return to the major leagues by the middle of April.

The 28-year-old Bailey, who signed a $105 million contract extension in 2014, started 23 games last year and posted a 9-5 record with a 3.71 ERA before the injury ended his season. He has a 58-50 career record with a 4.18 ERA in 166 games, all as a starter.

METS SIGN LAGARES TO EXTENSION

The New York Mets signed centre fielder Juan Lagares to a four-year, $23 million contract extension that covers all arbitration years and includes a team option for the fifth year.

Lagares won a Gold Glove ifor the Mets last season and led the league in many defensive outfield metrics. He had 15 outfield assists in 2013, leading all centre fielders with 14.

Lagares hit .281 with four home runs and 47 RBIs in 2014, his second full season with the Mets.

MINOR-LEAGUER BANNED 80 GAMES

Atlanta Braves minor-league pitcher Arodys Vizcaino was suspended Thursday for 80 games without pay after a positive test for performance-enhancing drugs.

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced that the right-hander tested positive for Stanozolol, a substance that is prohibited as part of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Vizcaino, who is with Triple-A Gwinnett and is also on the Braves' 40-man roster, will begin serving the suspension with the regular season begins next week.

Last season, Vizcaino pitched in five games for the Chicago Cubs and posted a 5.40 ERA in five innings. He spent much of the season in the minors.

Viczaino made his major league debut with the Braves in 2011, pitching in 17 games and logging a 1-1 record in 17 1/3 innings with a 4.67 ERA.